Section Rules

With the recent sellouts at Soccer Park we’ve had more new people checking out our section and wanting to be a part of the party. We want you there, but there are a few things you need to know before you start calling yourself a Louligan. We don’t charge money to be a member, but we do expect something in return for the right to be a part of our group.

Welcome to section 8 or the Paul Deuker Stand or Louligan Corner. Whatever you want to call it, this is where the Supporter’s Group the St. Louligans stand for games. Everyone is welcome, but we do ask that if you choose to stand with us that you carry your weight. This section has been established by St. Louligan leadership working with STLFC personnel to be different from the other sections in the park. The rules are different here and by choosing to stand in this section you are agreeing to the following:

Chanting & Singing. EVERYONE in our section is expected to join in on Chanting & Singing. None of our songs are that difficult and you can at least hit the key words and yell them loudly. The stadium has been full the last several games and we need to reserve section 8 (and 9 for that matter) for people who are helping the cause. Nothing kills the mood like a group of people in the middle of the section not singing and playing on their smartyphones. Don’t want to sing? Go sit in another section.

Standing. Same goes for standing. All Game- yes, all game. If you’re in 8 you’d better be up on your feet. If you can’t hang- go sit in 9 or 10. Section 8 is standing room only. Seriously, we saw someone sitting down painting their nails at one game. Serious interventions were made so that lady didn’t get thrown over the back of the stand. Next time she might not be so lucky. Paint your nails in the expensive seats.

Smoke. Yes there will be smoke bombs after goals (hey, it happens). Yes it burns the eyes and the nose. There may be a few minutes when your vision is obstructed. No we won’t do it somewhere else. Somewhere else is section 8. If you do not like smoke then YOU need to find another section.

Beer. We like beer. Occasionally beer will be spilled or thrown in celebration. We’re not talking about someone being dickish and throwing beer for no reason- we’ll put a stop to that, but if a goal is scored and arms go up in celebration there is a high likelihood that beer will fly. If you don’t want your shirt to smell like beer you should probably not be in section 8.

F-bombs & other colorful language. Yep, you’ll hear it here. It won’t be allowed in organized chants or tolerated in a yelling/obnoxious fashion, but if you hear a bad word you’ll just have to suck it up. If the other team scores a goal- I WILL say “FUCK”. If you can’t stand vulgar language you probably don’t want to stand in section 8.

Flags. Yes we wave flags and raise banners. There will be times you get hit in the head with a swinging flagpole or miss some action on the field because someone in front of you is holding a flag. That’s all part of the experience. If you’re going to complain about flag waving then you need to find somewhere else to stand. Also- if you take a flag from someone you must wave said flag until your arms are tired and then pass it on to someone new. Dave HATES to see a flag that isn’t waving and has been known to berate non-wavers.

Drummers & Capos. These people are everything during the game and we take care of them. No exceptions. If a Capo or Drummer tells you something- pay attention. Capos need room to work at the front- they DON’T need you standing up there “helping”. If they tell you to vacate then do so. If you’re trying to start your own chant and they tell you to shut up- do it. They know what they’re doing. If you have an idea for a chant, find one of the gameday captains and see if they can convey it to the capos. Do not interrupt them while they’re working or go rogue trying to be louder than the capos. If the drummers start chanting “MORE BEER” that means they are out of beer. Yes it’s a fun chant but it’s a signal to everyone to get out a dollar bill or make it rain. Someone will be coming by to collect the cash to buy the drummers & capos beer or water or whatever else they need. If you’re dead broke, we understand, but please budget $1 each game to the beer fund. Also- do not touch the drums without express consent from one of the drum corps. Seriously, they will slap you if you touch their drums without permission. (They will let your kid pound out a beat, but ask nicely first.)

Kids. Yes we love kids and it’s great when they want to yell and chant with us. But it’s on you to monitor the section to see if it meets with your approval for your kids. Some people love it, but some people don’t think it’s appropriate for their kids. We are not going to make rules to satisfy individual situations. We’ve got our presence fairly well established- you’re either down with it or not- your choice.

90 Minutes plus extra time. We do not leave early and we do not stop the party. I don’t care how bad the team is playing- NO ONE in our section is excused other than to go buy a beer or take a potty break. If you’re the kind of person who likes to beat the traffic or leaves if your team is down a goal- you’re not our kind of person. No offense, but sit somewhere else.

Pre-game/Tailgate. EVERYONE is welcome. Even people who choose to not stand in our section. We have fun, talk about soccer, eat, drink & make merry. We usually have food & drink available. We offer it up for free- BUT if you’re going to eat and/or drink our food & beverage it is appreciated if you donate a couple bucks to the cause. There’s always a donation jar on the food table. Food & drinks aren’t free at the store and someone has to pay for it. If we want to keep this simple, donations have to equal costs- otherwise we’ll start charging to eat. You may also bring your own beverage and offer to share it because you’re a good person. We love good people.

Merchandise. Before all home games in the parking lot we sell Tshirts, scarves and various other Louligan items. The table is usually right next to the food table. Buying Louligan swag helps support the cause and pay for things like Tifo or drum repairs or megaphones or whatever comes up. We appreciate your help with things like that, plus you look like a badass wearing Louligan stuff around town. We’re also usually around after the match for a bit if you decide that you really do need that scarf because you had so much fun at the game.

March in. We march into the game 30 minutes before kickoff. Whether you’re in our section or not you are invited to march with us. It’s fun. You should do it.

Everything else is basically the jurisdiction of the Gameday Captains. They are the ones wearing the Captain’s armbands. They stand in areas that they can keep an eye on everything. (If a Gameday captain tells you that you’re in their spot, they aren’t being a dick- they stand there for a reason. Move over a bit.) If you have a question or see something that needs addressed find one of them and they will help you. If one of them finds you and tells you something- listen to them. If a problem cannot be solved by the Gameday Captain they work with Security and Police to settle it. Yes, we are the law in section 8. We’ve established a great reputation with the club and the league and they trust us to handle our business. If we say you’re a problem they will take our word for it. Done & done.

All that said, if you play by the above rules you’ll have the best time you’ve ever had at a sporting event and meet some of the best people in the world. I hope you’ll join us.

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3 Responses

Hey Brad, Mark here gearing up for the new season. It would be really cool if I had something regarding the rules for our section when folks come in before the parade, I try to keep it clear and explain that they might want to sit somewhere else but I can’t make them move. Most of the fans say my ticket says section 8, then I have to explain the ga policy. Not a big deal but your post was excellent and I just want to make it better for everyone. thanks sec.ush.mark